Category: Lifestyle

Birmingham /

WAFF48 Lifestyle Segment: National Hot Breakfast Month Blueberry Brie Melt

February was National Hot Breakfast Month.  Nationwide, food retailers were encouraging everyone to start their day with a warm meal.  I couldn’t agree more because there are so many benefits to eating a hot breakfast.  Number one, breakfast foods help fuel the body and provide a sharper focus while boosting the metabolism.

In support of this initiative, I hosted a lifestyle segment live from my kitchen!  It was a lot of fun because I was able to inspire the local Huntsville audience with a delicious meal.

Julian’s Recipe Blueberry & Brie Melt

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups blueberries
  • 2 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 8 Julian’s Recipe Wafels
  • 4 ounces of brie cheese, thinly sliced

 

Directions:

Combine the blueberries, lemon zest and sugar in a medium saucepan.

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture has thickened.

Place the butter in a grill pan over medium-high heat. Then place your wafels into the pan.

Add 4-5 slices of brie cheese on top followed by a generous scoop of the blueberry compote.

Add the second wafel on top and then flip! Allow 2-3 minutes per side or until golden.

Serve while hot and enjoy!

Click on the link to watch the segment:  WAFF48

Interior Design /

5 INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS THAT WILL BOOST THE ROMANCE IN YOUR HOME THIS VALENTINE’S DAY

Believe it or not, the way you design and decorate your home can have an impact on your relationship. There are a lot of things that homeowners do in designing their spaces that can put romance on the back burner. The decor in a home—whether that’s a rented condo or a house in the suburbs—is important for setting the right tone and sending the right message to those who inhabit the space. Make sure cupid is ready and willing to visit with these easy to apply decorating ideas:

Add out-of-sight storage for turn-off items

Shoes, stacks of bills, kids toys, and dirty laundry don’t exactly set the mood for Valentine’s Day. One way homeowners can improve their living space in time for the holiday of love is by reducing clutter and installing storage options that keep turn-off items out of sight. Over-the-door organizers in closets are perfect for anything from shoes to house cleaners and stuffed animals. Double duty storage benches by the front door provide a home for seasonal gear, such as coats and boots, and a place for family and friends to sit down and take off outerwear upon entering the house, decorative baskets as a catch all for books, magazines, pet/kids toys etc… Installs shelves or modular closet systems in smaller spaces that cannot hold bulky pieces of furniture. Nothing melts worries and stress, leaving vacancy for feelings of intimacy, then a clean and clutter-free environment.

Decorate the walls with photos and memorabilia

Displaying pictures and items that represent special moments in a relationship helps foster intimacy, and it’s an easy and inexpensive home improvement option that can be done by Valentine’s Day. Homeowners can stage precious moments in shadow boxes and on floating shelves. Collect saved items from events like weddings or childbirth and store them together with props to elevate the setting. For example, if a picture captures a husband kissing his pregnant wife’s belly in a field of flowers or on a beach, incorporate elements from that scene such as a vase of sunflowers or a bottle of sand and sea glass. Next, frame ultrasound pictures and announcements and arrange them with props in an aesthetically pleasing way.

Choose soothing colors

Take a look at the colors that a business like a spa will choose: natural shades of green, blue and light hues of browns and taupes, all intended to create the feel of a lush and calm oasis. Homeowners don’t always consider the use of color in the aesthetic of a home, often opting for neutrals that border on boring. That doesn’t inspire a lot for romance though, and even if the homeowner begins with a single room (the bedroom, perhaps?), adding colors that soothe the soul will help create a perfect mood. Whether that’s wall color to the choices of artwork on the wall, choosing soothing colors from nature inspired palettes will help to create a harmonious space. In the same style, it’s best to avoid gender focused colors and styling, so that everyone feels comfortable in the space. Too much pink or mahogany can be off putting.

Set the mood with lighting 

Homeowners will be surprised by how much a simple change of a light bulb can impact the atmosphere of a room. White light mimics natural light, making a room feel more expansive. Yellow light, on the other hand, casts a cozy glow, perfect for setting a romantic tone. Utilize both lighting options by pairing white lights with ceiling fixtures and yellow light with table lamps. That way homeowners can choose between the two lighting based on their needs. (White light while reading and working, and yellow light while cuddling their partners.) Take lighting a step further by burning candles with pleasant scents regularly, and stringing up twinkling fairy lights for a whimsical, fairy tale atmosphere.

Focus on the bedroom

When romance is in the cards, a cozy den is nice. A beautifully set dining table is excellent. But the ‘’pièce de résistance” has to be the bedroom. This is where a little luxury is worth the expense. It starts with adding storage for everything, as noted in the first tip, and then then it’s a question of personal taste. A quality mattress is a good first step. Considering that adults spend 6-8 hours a night sleeping, which is a full third of every day, it makes sense to put a little quality into the one piece of furniture that gets used the most. Bedding should be luxurious, with 1000 count thread sheets, soft duvets and perfect pillows. A cashmere throw blanket is the height of luxury and would put anyone in the mood! The right color palette, lighting and bedding is all it takes to make the bedroom a space to enjoy.

With most people spending more time at home these days, events like Valentine’s Day are more important than ever. Creating a beautiful space has the advantage that, while homeowners will enjoy it on the day, it can be appreciated the rest of the year as well!

Bio:

Marty Basher is the home improvement and organization expert with Modular Closets, https://www.modularclosets.com. Marty regularly contributes on topics of DIY renovations, home design, organization, improvement and more, helping home owners get the most out of the spaces in their home. Modular Closets are high-quality and easy-to-design closet systems made in the USA you can order, assemble and install yourself, in no time at all. Using closet modules (closet pieces you can mix & match to design your own modular closet), homeowners everywhere are empowered to achieve a true custom closet look- for nearly 40% less than standard custom closets. 

Beauty /

THREE ALABAMA SPAS NAMED TOP 30 IN NORTH AMERICA FOR 2020

While North American travelers haven’t been able to travel as much as they would like in 2020, we hope that the following list of best spas will inspire your trips to come — whenever they may be. Three of the top 30 spas for 2020 in North America were in Alabama on the RTJ Spa Trail and are owned by the Retirement Systems of Alabama.

The Top 100 Spas of 2020 list includes 74 spas from the United States, 19 spas from Canada, three from Mexico, and one each from Barbados, The Bahamas, Jamaica, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. https://travelprnews.com/spas-of-america-unveils-top-100-spas-of-2020-59465413/travel-press-release/2021/01/06/

“The North American spa and wellness industry was devastated by the events of the past year,” says Spas of America president Craig Oliver. “Many spas have been forced to close, reduce staff, and operate at a reduced capacity. On the bright side, we are seeing strong interest from consumers who are searching for relaxation, mental health, wellness, and escape. We have no doubt North American spas will rise to meet this challenge in the year ahead.”

The RTJ Spa Trail has six spas across Alabama. “We are delighted with these honors and believe all of our spas offer world-class experiences at a time when people need them,” said Taylor Fields, Director of Spa for PCH Hotels & Resorts. “Our spas at Ross Bridge, Opelika, and Florence make this prestigious international list.” Other spas on the RTJ Spa Trail are at the Grand Hotel, the Battle House, and Renaissance Montgomery.

Spas of America’s Top 100 Spas of 2020

1. Red Mountain Resort, St. George, Utah

2. Elora Mill Hotel & Spa, Elora, Ontario

3. Aspira Spa, The Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

4. The Spa at Ross Bridge, Birmingham, Alabama

5. Spa Shiki at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, Missouri

6. The Spa at The Wentworth, New Castle, New Hampshire

7. Crystal Spa, Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, Thompsonville, Michigan

8. Feathers Spa at The Peabody Hotel Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee

9. Skaná, The Spa at Turning Stone Resort, Verona, New York

10. Grotto Spa, Tigh-Na-Mara Spa Resort, Parksville, British Columbia

11. Spa at Grand National, Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National, Opelika, Alabama

12. The Spa at the Joule, Dallas, Texas

13. Remède Spa, St. Regis, Mexico City, Mexico

14. The Spa at White Oaks Resort, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

15. Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, Miami Beach, Florida

16. eforea Spa, Hilton Sedona Resort Bell Rock, Sedona, Arizona

17. The Lodge at Woodloch, Hawley, Pennsylvania

18. The Sunstone Spa at Agua Caliente, Rancho Mirage, California

19. The Greenbrier Spa, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

20. Soul Spa, The Westin Jackson, Jackson, Mississippi

21. New Life Hiking Spa, Killington, Vermont

22. The Spa at Beau Rivage, Biloxi, Mississippi

23. Pala Spa, Pala Casino Spa & Resort, Pala, California

24. Trillium Spa at Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Champion, Pennsylvania

25. The Spa at The Omni Homestead, Hot Springs, Virginia

26. Aarna Spa, Pasea Hotel & Spa, Huntington Beach, California

27. Miraj Hammam Toronto, Shangri-La Toronto, Ontario

28. Lake George Spa, Sagamore Resort & Spa, Bolton Landing, New York

29. Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain, Blue Mountains, Ontario

30. The Spa at The Shoals, Florence, Alabama

31. Roosevelt Baths & Spa at Gideon Putnam Resort, Saratoga Springs, New York

32. Springs Eternal Spa, Omni Bedford Springs, Bedford, Pennsylvania

33. The Spa at Whiteface Lodge, Lake Placid, New York

34. Remède Spa, St. Regis, Atlanta, Georgia

35. Two Bunch Palms Resort, Desert Hot Springs, California

36. Remède Spa, St. Regis, Aspen, Colorado

37. Immerse Spa, MGM Grand Detroit, Detroit, Michigan

38. The Spa at The Peaks Resort, Telluride, Colorado

39. The Spa at Sun Valley Resort, Sun Valley, Idaho

40. Boathouse Spa and Baths, Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Victoria, British Columbia

41. The Millcroft Inn & Spa, Alton, Ontario

42. Amina Spa, Sahara Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada

43. Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont Pacific Rim, Vancouver, British Columbia

44. The Spa at Stein Eriksen Lodge, Park City, Utah

45. The Spa at French Lick, French Lick, Indiana

46. SpaTerre, The Josie Hotel, Rossland, British Columbia

47. Deerfield Health Retreat & Spa, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

48. Spa Walden, Walden Inn & Spa, Walden, Ohio

49. Spa Eastman, Eastman, Quebec

50. Turtle Cove Spa, Mountain Harbor Resort, Mount Ida, Arkansas

51. The Spa at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper, Alberta

52. Stillwater Spa, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Incline Village, Nevada

53. Dunton Hot Springs, Dolores, Colorado

54. Pacific Mist Spa, Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa, Courtenay, British Columbia

55. The Sanctuary Spa, Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, Paradise Valley, Arizona

56. Relache Spa Gaylord Texan, Grapevine, Texas

57. Solace Spa & Salon, Big Sky Resort, Big Sky, Montana

58. Drift Spa, Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, Ucluelet, British Columbia

59. The Spa at Old Edwards Inn, Highland, North Carolina

60. 100 Fountain Spa at Pillar and Post, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

61. Glacial Waters Spa at Grand View Lodge, Nisswa, Minnesota

62. Exhale Spa Ocean Resort Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey

63. SpaTerre Teton Mountain Lodge, Teton Village, Wyoming

64. Ojo Santa Fe Resort, Santa Fe, New Mexico

65. ESPA at Baha Mar, Nassau, The Bahamas

66. Jasha Spa, JW Marriott Las Cabos Beach Resort & Spa, San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico

67. Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa, Hot Springs, Arkansas

68. The Spa at Ritz Carlton, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

69. Ste. Anne’s Spa, Grafton, Ontario

70. Bamford Haybarn Spa, 1 Hotel, Brooklyn, New York

71. The Spa at Wine & Roses, Lodi, California

72. The Spa at Camelback Inn, JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, Arizona

73. The Spa at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise, Alberta

74. Spa La Vie at Paragon Casino Resort, Marksville, Louisiana

75. The Spa at Sea Island, Sea Island, Georgia

76. Health Club & Spa at Fairmont Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

77. eforea Spa Hilton Barbados Resort, Bridgetown, Barbados

78. The Spa at Spruce Peak, Stowe, Vermont

79. Manitou Springs Resort & Mineral Spa, Manitou Beach, Saskatchewan

80. Healing Waters Spa, Saratoga Resort and Spa, Saratoga, Wyoming

81. Sole’renity Spa at the Artesian Hotel, Sulphur, Oklahoma

82. Mtn. Laurel Spa at Stonewall Resort, Roanoke, West Virginia

83. The Spa at Cliff House, Cape Neddick, Maine

84. Espiritu Spa, Costa Baja Resort, La Paz, Mexico

85. Spa Khakara, Sheraton Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii

86. The Spa at Saddlebrook, Chapel, Florida

87. Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort, San Luis Obispo, California

88. Miraj Hammam Spa, Vancouver, British Columbia

89. Jewel Grande Resort & Spa, Montego Bay, Jamaica

90. Guerlain Spa at Hotel X Toronto, Toronto, Ontario

91. Woodlands Spa Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Farmington, Pennsylvania

92. Vanderbilt Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection, Newport, Rhode Island

93. Tree Spa at Hidden Pond, Kennebunkport, Maine

94. Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa, Hot Springs, South Dakota

95. The Bridge House Spa at Twin Farms, Barnard, Vermont

96. The Ritz Carlton Spa, Bachelor Gulch Spa, Avon, Colorado

97. Kohala Spa at Hilton Waikoloa Village, Waikoloa, Hawaii

98. Mirbeau Inn & Spa Rhinebeck, Rhinebeck, New York

99. Ciel Spa at SLS Lux Brickell, Miami, Florida

100. The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North in Scottsdale, Arizona

Source: Google Analytics, January 1–December 31, 2020. The Top 100 Spas is measured by unique page views of spa and wellness consumers across North America. They are ranked in order. This showcases unique spas across the country. The Top 100 Spas of 2020 comprises the top 10% of all spa listings on https://www.spasofamerica.com.

Celebrity /

Celebrity Chef Tanya Holland Announces Season Two of “Tanya’s Table” Podcast w/ Guests Ayesha Curry, Danny Glover, Bonnie Raitt and Many More

Celebrity chef/restaurateur/cookbook author Tanya Holland of Brown Sugar Kitchen (Oakland, Calif.) announces today with producing partner MuddHouse Media the official launch of Season Two of her critically-acclaimed new podcast, “Tanya’s Table.” Season Two follows Holland’s debut as a TV host on the Oprah Winfrey Network with her new show “Tanya’s Kitchen Table” (LINK; November – December 2020). Launching on January 19, 2021, the podcast’s Season Two features Holland in riveting conversations with many of today’s leading innovators and tastemakers: Ayesha Curry, Danny Glover, Bonnie Raitt, Phil Rosenthal, Lars Ulrich, Ericka Huggins, Alicia Garza, Elizabeth Falkner, Jonny Moseley, Lizz Wright, Festus Ezeli, Maneet Chauhan, Edouardo Jordan, and Karen Akunowicz. Episodes of “Tanya’s Table” will air once a week (every Tuesday) on all major podcast platforms through April 20, 2021.

Holland is an international icon and the leading African-American woman chef in the modern culinary arena. She’s wowed audiences with her incredibly charismatic persona on a plethora of national TV shows (Tanya’s Kitchen Table, Selena + Chef, Top Chef, MasterChef, NBC’s Today Show, CBS This Morning, The Talk, Food Network) and has been lauded by critics for her distinct California-inspired renditions of soul food classics. On the Board of Trustees at the James Beard Foundation and a U.S. State Department culinary diplomat, Holland takes listeners on a 45-minute adventure each episode of “Tanya’s Table” by offering both a behind-the-scenes look at her guests’ intriguing lives as well as bringing forth vital issues facing the world.

“Tanya’s Table” spotlights Holland and her guests discussing food, culture, and diverse foodways as podcast listeners peer through the window to experience their candid, and often hilarious, conversations. While food is the center of attention, Holland explores other lifestyle topics such as travel, social awareness, self-help and work/life balance, challenges and triumphs, discovering off-the-radar gems, music, the role of mentors, and more. Episodes further delve into each guest’s individual identity through their sense of taste (with food, design, style, etc.) and discovering foods of their heritage.

Holland is at the vanguard of contemporary California cuisine with decades of accolades to her credit. “Tanya’s Table” offers a critical platform for Holland to connect with influential figures for real-talk conversations. Teeming with idiosyncratic charm and hospitality, Holland is the voice of 2021 that podcast-devotees are destined to love.

For detailed information regarding Tanya Holland and the featured guests for Season Two of “Tanya’s Table,” please download the Tanya’s Table Celebrity Guest Bios one sheet (LINK).

The episode schedule for Season Two of “Tanya’s Table” is as follows:

Ayesha Curry (January 19), Danny Glover (January 26), Bonnie Raitt (February 2), Phil Rosenthal (February 9), Alicia Garza (February 16), Elizabeth Falkner (February 23), Lars Ulrich (March 2), Jonny Moseley (March 9), Maneet Chauhan (March 16), Ericka Huggins (March 23), Lizz Wright (March 30), Festus Ezeli (April 6), Edouardo Jordan (April 13), and Karen Akunowicz (April 20).

Accessories /

Talk of Alabama Style Segment: Dressing for Virtual Meetings and Events #WFH

Before the new year began, I hosted a television segment on ABC 3340 Talk of Alabama discussing how to dress for virtual meetings and events.

The work environment has changed and there are new office, fashion guidelines.

It’s tempting to wear cozy pajamas to zoom meetings but the reality is that we must maintain a professional appearance.

Let’s get ready to SHOW UP in 2021.  It’s time to put away those sweatpants and slippers!  Click on the link below to watch the segment clip:

Lifestyle /

5 Lifestyle Tips That Help with Sleep Loss

Enough sleep is essential for everyone. On average, an adult requires around 8 hours of sleep every night. It is vital for the normal biological functions of the body. It is also a time when the body repairs itself from the wears and tears. However, several factors may lead to loss of sleep. It may be a result of unchecked sleeping habits, lifestyle, or health-related issues. Lack of sleep for as little as 24 hours will always lead to problems such as lack of concentration, puffy eyes, low level of alertness, irritability, and fatigue. Beyond this, you can suffer from anxiety, hallucination, severe inflammation, and many other disorders. Since you desire to enjoy sufficient sleep when you lie down in the comfort of your mattress firm. Below are lifestyle tips to help with sleep loss.

Featured Photo from Essence.com

  1. Create time for a workout 

 Physical exercise will not only make you physically fit to face your daily duties but will also make you feel slightly worn out at night. It is helpful for sleep. A half an hour exercise is often ideal. Do not overwork yourself. At the same time, do not work out too late at night. It may interfere with your sleep, for it can cause your brain to be alert. So, hit the gym, or you can try to do home workouts. Home workout programs are usually available online. Regular exercise will always help in treating loss of sleep.

  1. Develop a relaxing bedtime program 

The human mind and body adapt to routine over a given time. A consistent schedule will help the mind and body get ready for sleep. It is advisable to employ the use of activities that help unwind. Bedtime reading relaxes the mind and soothes you to sleep. Reflecting on the day as you lie down may also be of great help. You can do simple stretches to relax the muscles after a busy day. Also, a warm shower works wonders in relaxing the body and mind for a good night’s sleep.

  1. Keep away from foods that take longer to process 

The different types of food you consume do not take a similar amount of time. Some take a longer time to digest. For you to avoid being kept awake by the digestive process, it is wise to shun certain foods before going to bed. Spicy meals, fatty meat, fried food, or food with a high level of acidity take time to digest. It is therefore wise you eat a snack or something light when hit by pangs of hunger just before bedtime. It will help you to avoid loss of sleep.

  1. Avoid drinks with caffeine before going to sleep

 Caffeine is a natural substance found and extracted from plants. It usually stimulates the body’s nervous system. It increases your alertness within a few minutes can last for up to 6 hours. It will disrupt your sleep schedule and total sleep time. As a result, you suffer from loss of sleep. Since the effect of caffeine can take up to 6 hours, you should be careful not to interfere with your sleep clock.

  1. Create a pleasing sleep surrounding

It is a common saying that the bedroom is said to be the most treasured room in a home. It is, therefore, necessary to make your bedroom comfortable and relaxing. It helps in making the environment conducive for sleep. First of all, use a comfortable mattress and a soft pillow. Secondly, keep the room temperature optimum. Lastly, take care of sounds in the bedroom and make it quiet by switching off the electronic appliances and any other source of noise.

To conclude, it is easy to recover from the loss of sleep. The loss of sleep is a result of various things. However, it is the change of lifestyle that is most significant. The lifestyle changes discussed above goes a long way in enhancing your sleep. It entails creating time for a workout, developing a bedtime relaxing program, keeping away from foods that interfere with sleep, avoiding drinks with caffeine before sleep, and creating a pleasing sleep surrounding. When your lifestyle changes positively, the quality of your sleep improves.

Collaborative Post

DIY /

WCPO, Cincy Lifestyle Segment: National Cranberry Day and Puff Pastry Swirls

I had the pleasure of hosting a television segment on Friday, November 20th with WCPO 9 News, Cincinnati.  The segment focused on celebrating National Cranberry Day which was right on time for the Thanksgiving holiday!
For many of us, cranberries are a staple side dish with our holiday feast but in the segment, I shared a new recipe, Cranberry Puff Pastry Swirls.
RECIPE:  Karen’s Naturals Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Swirls
Ingredients:
● 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
● 3 Tbsp salted butter, melted
● 6 oz. Brie cheese
● ¾ cup Karen’s Naturals Just Cranberries
● 3 Tbsp. cinnamon sugar
Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. Line baking sheet with parchment paper
3. Dice Brie cheese and remove the rind
Instructions:
1. Unroll the puff pastry and brush with 1 Tbsp of melted butter
2. Sprinkle pastry with 1-2 Tbsp of cinnamon sugar
3. Sprinkle diced brie and cranberries evenly on top of the pastry
4. Beginning at the long end, tightly roll the pastry
5. Brush the pastry with the remaining melted butter
6. Coat the roll with cinnamon sugar
7. Cut the roll into 16 swirls
8. Place swirls onto a baking sheet
9. Bake for 15-25 minutes or until
This simple dish can be served for brunch or an additional pastry appetizer with a warm cup of holiday tea.  To watch the lifestyle segment, click on the link https://www.facebook.com/CincyLifestyle/videos/218152979726399
Lifestyle /

Check Out These Last-Minute Thanksgiving Desserts (That Aren’t Pie!)

This Thanksgiving will be anything but traditional, from the guest list to menu planning. Many people have decided that this is the year to stray from pumpkin and pecan pies and try out something completely new for Thanksgiving dessert!

TheSoul Publishing – the company behind some of the biggest viral videos on the web – and they have suggested some fun and different desserts to finish off this year’s Thanksgiving feast. Here are a few to tempt your appetite!:

  • Homemade Caramel Crème Bowls: Create a decadent and delicious caramel bowl filled with fluffy crème puffs – and top with chocolate! This is a treat that’s (almost) too good to eat. (Full instructions here.)
  • Oreo Ice Cream Pops: Is anything better than cookies and cream ice cream? Enjoy this childhood favorite after your Thanksgiving meal with homemade ice cream bars, covered in chocolate and the topping of your choice. (Full instructions here.)
  • Mini Cookie Crème Brûlée: This super-easy dessert has only four ingredients, and takes a fraction of the time that it usually takes to make crème brûlée. (Full instructions here.)
  • Molten Red Velvet Cake (In a Mug!): Scrumptious molten red velvet cake is quick to make with the help of pre-packaged cake mix, a white chocolate bar, and a microwave. This easy dessert has major “wow” factor! (Full instructions here.)
Celebrity /

EMMY-WINNING ACTRESS+ACTIVIST ZENDAYA ON ESSENCE’S NOV/DEC COVER

Zendaya is undoubtedly one of Hollywood’s brightest young stars – and one of Black Hollywood’s wildest dreams. At just 24 years old, the actress has led two successful series on two of the biggest networks in TV land; costarred in a huge blockbuster Marvel film; and become the youngest woman ever to win the Emmy for outstanding lead actress in a drama, Euphoria. As much as the actress and activist has broken barriers in her past, it’s her present and future in Hollywood that’s winning.

For ESSENCE’s November + December issue, Zendaya graces the cover with stunning and picturesque black and white imagery that pays tribute to icons of the past while squarely establishing her as a leading force in the present and an icon of the future. The special issue is part of the brand’s ongoing 50th anniversary celebration and also features Zendaya on three bonus digital covers (with fashion styling and creative direction led by renowned celeb stylist Law Roach.) In her cover story, A Work of Art, Zendaya talks to writer Sylvia Obell about everything from her historic Emmy win, speaking truth to power and carrying our legacy forward. She tells ESSENCE:

ON WHAT WAS GOING THROUGH HER MIND RIGHT BEFORE HER HISTORIC EMMY WINNING: “There’s a video of me that a family friend took while I was waiting, and you can see my leg shaking. In my head I was like, ‘Dude, just chill out. What will be, will be.’ I remember taking a deep breath, and then hearing my name, and then my family screamed. I was worried that if they kept screaming for too long, I wouldn’t have any time to actually say anything—but I didn’t want to stop them, because they were having a great time. It was a very special night. I’ll definitely remember that one forever…”

ON RECEIVING SUPPORT FROM OTHER BLACK WOMEN AFTER HER EMMY WIN: “I’m honored to have that support, especially from my fellow young Black creatives. Through this Emmy’s period, especially, I felt a strong sense of support within our community, which I’m really grateful for. I think what’s slowly starting to happen is, artists like Issa Rae and Lena Waithe have created opportunities that have resulted in more of us being in these rooms. That’s such a special feeling, and I think it’s definitely changing the idea that there can only be “one at a time,” which is false. I love to see that genuine love and respect for each other’s work. I hope that we continue to expand that in all kinds of beautiful ways, because I think we’re on a really good path…”

ON LAW ROACH’S CREATIVE + FASHION DIRECTION: “I also felt very excited that ESSENCE allowed Law [Roach] and me to be a part of the creative team and do something a little bit different. I had so much fun on this shoot paying homage to Donyale Luna, the first Black supermodel. A lot of what I do, specifically within fashion, is a tribute to fashion icons who came before me—many of whom are Black women. I love the way it turned out. I’m very proud of it. It’s one of my favorite cover shoots I’ve ever done.”

ON FILMING “MALCOLM & MARIE” WHEN THE PANDEMIC FIRST SHUT DOWN: “It was a dream, because I’ve always wanted to be able to just strip everything away. I love what I do—and like most people, I was finding ways to stay inspired and stay creative, and luckily I know people who are the same way. It was great sitting in a room with John David Washington, Marcell Rév and Sam [Levinson], literally writing scenes as we went, coming up with ideas as we moved through the characters, and finding new things every day. That was the coolest part. That is why I do this.”

HER NEW YEAR’S WISH FOR BLACK WOMEN: “For us to continue to fully realize our power and harness it to do great things, because we are incredibly powerful. We’re often convinced that we’re not, and taught to shrink—but we have to believe in our collective power. I always think of that Beyoncé song, ‘They’ll never take my power, my power, my power.’ Let’s take that energy into the new year…”

ESSENCE’s November + December issue also includes a special Election 2020 package featuring a History Maker profile on Vice-President Elect Kamala Harris and her historic run for the White House. In the piece, News & Politics editor Tanya Christian details her year-plus coverage of the Senator—including her live appearance at the 2019 ESSENCE Festival of Culture in New Orleans during her presidential run. The issue also features The Black Women Behind the Biden-Harris Campaign, an article showcasing key movers and shakers who helped drive the campaign to victory.

ESSENCE’s November + December issue hits newsstands on November 24th. For more on this issue, visit ESSENCE.com. (Photo, AB+DM) Also join the conversation @Essence.